6. Sonnenburg Gardens

Sonnenberg was fun
Visited Sonnenberg (correct spelling "berg") for the first time. The grounds are very large with some magnificent old trees. Mansion house looks the same as if it were 1910. Very faithful and historic. The cafe served up some fantastic crepes for lunch. The wait staff was a bit overwhelmed so lunch took longer than necessary even though the food was good. Two weddings were occurring while we were there so two gardens were temporarily off limits. Those seemed to be the nicer gardens. One gets the impression that there needs to be a major infusion of money to get close to the splendor this place once had. The japanese garden and the rock gardens did not have flowing water in the many pools. Most pools were dry and looked a bit forlon. The plantings in the Italian garden were very sparse and not "carpet like" as shown on the web pictures. The roman bath and temple to diana are dilapidated. Those reservations aside the place is very faithful to what it must have been like in the glory days. Upstate NY weather in the winter is especially harsh on outdoor masonry and the old garden structures show this. Wine tasting his available. Two greenhouses have magnificent orchids and succulents. Not a place that would interest me as a child, except for seeing the manor house. Probably better to enjoy the venue while a special event is going on.